Hey everyone, I'm single, late 30s, and The median home value here is around $309,800, which seems about average. Poverty rate is 6.8%, which is pretty low. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Should I be concerned?
11 upvotes
9 Replies
Parker Wilson
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want cultural scene, then yeah this place is great. But if cost of living matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
38 upvotes
Aria Carter
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a nurse, 57, moved here 15 years ago from Houston. I've lived in Midtown and Riverside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good healthcare facilities
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The cultural scene situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Midtown: Great for families. excellent vibes, walkable.
- Riverside: More affordable, family-friendly.
**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.
**Cost comparison:**
Coming from Houston, everything felt excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $50K-$110K here.
**Final verdict:**
No regrets on my end.. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
38 upvotes
Everett Myers
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Highland for 3 years. Moved from Raleigh for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is pretty good. We bought in 2015 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
legal is strong here. retail is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are wild for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I love the pace of life here. The outdoor scene is pretty good - we have rivers within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Highland schools are average. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.
**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Winters are long and cold. Can feel isolated. And weather can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 7/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
35 upvotes
Wyatt Parker
not my experience at all
31 upvotes
Isaac H.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in The Heights for 3 years. Moved from Pittsburgh for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. We bought in 2022 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
real estate is strong here. real estate is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are established for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's been a really good experience overall. The outdoor scene is average - we have desert landscapes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. The Heights schools are average. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.
**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Urban sprawl is real. Not a lot of cultural diversity. And job market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 6/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
27 upvotes
Katherine
Hot take but there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. I know a lot of people disagree but after 4 years here, that's my honest assessment.
27 upvotes
Roman Gomez
interesting, hadn't considered that
10 upvotes
Landon Ward
I've lived in Old Town for about 9 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I have mixed feelings honestly. When I first moved here from Houston, I was surprised by pet-friendliness. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Lots of new development happening
- Good internet infrastructure
- The walkability scene is underrated
The downsides:
- Limited high-paying job options
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for remote workers. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
7 upvotes
Kaylee Rogers
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are surprisingly good, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.